OCSO Deploys FAA-Authorized Drones for Walt Disney World Marathon Security
The flights constituted a limited exception to Disney’s strict no-drone airspace rules.
Overview
- Four Orange County Sheriff’s Office drone pilots monitored the runDisney Marathon Weekend under Federal Aviation Administration authorization.
- This was the first year the sheriff’s office provided drone support for Disney marathon events.
- The weekend’s races, held January 8–11, routed participants through all four theme parks and surrounding roadways.
- OCSO released aerial images captured by drone pilot Corporal Andrew Pupo showing runners and park landmarks such as Cinderella Castle and Spaceship Earth.
- Officials characterized the operation as event-specific, with Disney property remaining off-limits to drones without special permission.